Hudson Valley News

Future science education in Dutchess County will be more integrated, when Vassar College completes its flagship campus complex in 2015. The proposed academic facility is designed by architects to function as a bridge, allowing ecological study of the stream crossing beneath its archway.

After many years of programming and needs analysis, Vassar College has decided to launch a renovation and construction project for its 12 acre neighborhood of science buildings.

With the world economy in flux and gun violence dominating the headlines, some find it hard to extend compassion to those around them, while others are moved in these turbulent times to "give all" and more...

In Poughkeepsie, a positive mindset prevails when it comes to extending a helping hand to families and individuals in need. Hudson Valley Bureau Chief Dave Lucas joined a “Community Walk” held this week in the city…

In his continuing effort to keep county expenses down, Ulster County Executive Michael Hein Wednesday proposed a voluntary separation program for certain county employees as a means of reducing the size of the workforce and lowering payroll and benefits expenses.

Under the program, which would require county legislature approval, the 232 eligible workers could receive a one-time $12,500 separation payment to leave county service no later than December 1.

Health and Personnel Committee Chairman Robert Aiello, a Republican, supports the plan.

Congressman Eliot Engel (D-Westchester/Rockland) briefed the new chairwoman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission of his concerns and opposition to the Indian Point nuclear power plants in Buchanan and their applications for license renewal.

Engel’s comments came during a joint hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittees on Energy and Power and the Environment and the Economy on Tuesday.

Ulster County Executive Michael Hein announced on Monday that he is applying for Community Development Block Grant funding to assist low income homeowners in need of housing improvements with priority given to homeowners needing repairs due to Tropical Storms Irene or Lee.

Rural Ulster Preservation Company will administer the program for the county. The county and RUPCO will apply for $750,000 with applications from homeowners due on August 7. Funds are expected to be available in the spring 2013.

KINGSTON – The City of Kingston is facing a potentially critical financial crunch in 2013 and Mayor Shayne Gallo chalks it up primarily to mandated expenses.

The mayor, who is drafting his first budget to be presented a few months from now, said he is starting out behind the eight ball since the previous administration used $1 million from the city’s reserves to balance the 2012 budget. There are other concerns as well.